Apple iPhone SE

Phone Scoop Review

Apr 7, 2016 by Eric M. ZemanThe Apple iPhone SE should appeal to those who like 'em small and like 'em cheap(er). With a 4-inch screen and compact footprint, the iPhone SE packs a lot of punch into its frame. Thanks to updated specs and a fresh version of iOS 9.3, the SE performs almost as well as Apple's larger iPhones. Here is Phonescoop's in-depth report. read review ›

Major signal issues w/TMobile

I bought the SE because I like the size and form factor of the iPhone 5 and 5S, I didn't need a larger screen like the iPhone 6.

This phone has everything I like about the 5 series, plus the faster processor, improved camera, and better LTE support. Including T-Mobile's Band 12 / 700 MHz LTE that reaches farther and penetrates better into buildings. Which leads to this device's biggest downfall...

I have been experiencing major problems with the phone since the beginning. If I am not on Wi-Fi and I am accessing data through the cellular network, my signal will drop 100 times a day or more, and the signal strength meter resets, causing a temporary loss of connectivity. A real big inconvenience. I reported it to T-Mobile during the 2nd week I had the service, but they just said take it to the Apple store and get a new one. Well, I took it to the Apple store and got a replacement, but it has the exact same problem. They suggest going to Settings > Reset Network Settings, but that doesn't help and plus it wipes out all of my saved Wi-fi passwords. Not good.

I suspect that the signal drops when I am on a Band 4 connection and the phone finds a stronger Band 12 signal and tries to hop over to the other LTE channels. This process is supposed to happen seamlessly, but it seems like the handoff fails hard either through an electronic malfunction or software glitch, and the phone has to completely start over searching for LTE signal.

This happens in specific geographic areas. Whether I'm sitting down in a restaurant eating dinner, or driving from one area into another. When I'm laying at home in my bedroom, the issue does not occur. But if I'm in the basement, it is more likely to happen.

Neither Apple or T-Mobile will admit that there is a problem or defect, or incompatibility, with this device and/or their network. So for now I must suck it up and hope that one day they will issue a recall for this device and replace it with a fully functional one.

600 wasted

Calling with my SE frequently results in the called party unable to hear me. I switched carriers from ATT to Verizon and it didn't improve. Call strength is -112 with LTE on, -92 with LTE off. I reviewed Verizon's website and found about 1-in-10 report the same issue. ATT's website was broken as usual so I couldn't see their reviews. My Verizon Samsung flip phone has no problem with calls.